Professional haircoloring glove

ABSTRACT

A dark, disposable glove engineered for professional haircoloring. A disposable glove shall be defined as one that is manufactured, marketed, and intended for a single application—one that is discarded after each use.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] A dark, disposable glove engineered for professionalhaircoloring. A disposable glove shall be defined as one that ismanufactured, marketed, and intended for a single application—one thatis discarded after each use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Disposable gloves have long been used in the professional BeautyIndustry as a safe and cost effective way to protect a worker's handsfrom prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals found in shampoos andconditioners, and more specifically, chemical relaxers and haircoloringproducts. There are many types of disposable gloves used in the BeautyIndustry by salon professionals, each having different chemicalcompositions, physical properties, and various selling prices.

[0003] Disposable polyethylene or copolymer gloves have long beenutilized inside “home type” retail haircolor kits sold to consumers.Haircare manufacturers provide these types of gloves because they arethe least expensive disposable gloves on the market, thus keepingmanufacturing costs as low as possible. Traditionally, these gloves areclear or translucent in color as polyethylene is clear in its naturaloriginal form. Being the least expensive, these gloves are extremelythin (traditionally 1-2 mils), and provide a poor quality, sloppy/baggyfit. Due to their poor fit and quality, these gloves are rarely found inthe professional Beauty Industry (in salons) where professionals areworking with their hands all day long. Average salon cost is about$0.025/glove.

[0004] Disposable latex gloves are also used by salon professionals as acost effective means to provide hand protection. Traditionally, thesegloves are beige in color (resembling that of an elastic band orsurgical glove) as this is the color of the natural raw materialsolution used to form these gloves. Since latex has terrific stretchcapabilities, these gloves provide a more precise and better fit thanpolyethylene gloves. Traditional disposable latex gloves are typically 5mils in thickness and thus stronger than that of a disposablepolyethylene glove. They are readily available in the marketplace ineither a powdered or unpowdered version with an average salon cost of$0.07/glove.

[0005] Disposable vinyl gloves (also known as PVC gloves and sometimesas synthetic vinyl gloves) are also used by salon professionals as acost effective means to provide hand protection. Traditionally, thesegloves are clear or translucent in color as this is the color of thenatural raw material solution used to form these gloves. Due to itsslightly looser fit than a disposable latex glove, vinyl gloves allowthe hand to breathe more easily, preventing the hand from fatiguing overtime. The slightly looser fit of a vinyl disposable glove also allowsthe glove to be put on/off easier than a latex disposable glove. Likelatex disposable gloves, vinyl disposable gloves are traditionally 5mils in thickness and are readily available in the marketplace in eithera powdered or unpowdered version. Average salon cost is about$0.07/glove. Vinyl disposable gloves are an excellent alternative tothose whose skin is sensitive to latex products.

[0006] Disposable synthetic gloves, in recent years, have gained inpopularity in all industries, including the Beauty Industries. The term“synthetic”, in its truest sense, applies to a disposable glove that isnon-latex and non-vinyl, although the word is often used in associationwith vinyl disposable gloves. Such an example of a disposable syntheticglove would be that of a disposable nitrile glove which is comprisedfrom a blend of synthetic (man-made) polymers. These synthetic polymersoffer different physical properties to the gloves once produced; e.g.softer feel, increased stretch capacity of the material, etc. Disposablenitrile gloves, although used by salon professionals, has not reallytaken off in the professional Beauty Industry much in part to its highcosts. Average salon cost is $0.18/glove. Disposable nitrile gloves aretraditionally 5 mils thick but the nitrile properties make for a moredurable glove than its latex or vinyl counterpart. In some cases,disposable nitrile gloves are puncture resistant. For this reason, thisglove is mostly seen in the medical industry, as it resembles many ofthe properties found in latex gloves but without any latex in the glove.Disposable nitrile gloves are also an excellent alternative to thosewhose skin is sensitive to latex products. These gloves aretraditionally blue in color so as to not confuse them with latexproducts and are available in the marketplace in either a powdered orunpowdered version. Other known colors include white or beige, and evenclear/translucent if describing a vinyl synthetic glove. Types of GlovesTraditional Avg Salon Material Traditional Color Thickness Cost/glovePolyethylene Clear 1-2 mils $.02 Latex Beige   5 mils $.07 Vinyl (PVC)Clear   5 mils $.07 Synthetic Blue, beige, or white   5 mils $.18

[0007] In the early days, for the most part, the use of color additivesto adjust the final color of a disposable glove in the manufacturingprocess was not utilized. The final color of the gloves was merely afunction of the components and ingredients that made up the glove, andthe marketplace readily accepted this.

[0008] In recent years, colored disposable gloves (blue, red, green,etc.), in the various materials discussed above, have become morepopular in specific industries for different reasons. For example, inthe foodservice industry, supermarket employees working in the poultryarea might wear a blue glove to cut raw poultry; while employees in thedeli department might wear a clear glove to slice deli meat; whileemployees in the seafood department might wear a red glove to handle rawseafood; while the maintenance crew might wear a green glove to sanitizethe floor. The use of colored gloves in this instance is specifically toprevent cross contamination between departments that could potentiallyendanger public health; e.g. salmonella, E. coli, campylobactor, etc.While the colored gloves in this application play an important role ingeneral, it makes no difference which department uses which color glove.

[0009] Another example of colored gloves exists in the dental andmedical fields simply for esthetic purposes. For example, pastel colorssuch as light pink, light green, and light blue have been used to helpcreate a more relaxed (non medical) atmosphere in these types ofenvironments, but the specific color used has no function in itsapplication with the patient.

[0010] The professional Beauty Industry saw its first colored glove inthe early 90's with the development of a thick, brown, reusable, latexglove. Since these gloves are reusable, (marketed as such on theirpackaging), and very thick (often 10 mil) the gloves are very expensive.In many cases the reuseable latex glove is 30 times the cost of adisposable glove as its average salon cost is $2/glove. Since the gloveis designed and marketed to be used time and time again, the dark colorglove masks (or hides) most stains that develop on the glove's surface.This is important, as even the most seasoned haircolorist has no way toprevent haircolor from coming in contact with their gloves whileapplying color to a client's hair. The marketing concept of this brown,reusable glove was twofold: 1) to keep the glove esthetically pleasingto the eye of customers and onlookers, thus giving off the appearance ofa clean and sanitary glove, and 2) to reduce costs associated with asingle-use disposable glove. Prior to this dark color glove, haircolorstains on traditional disposable gloves made for an unsightly and lessthan professional appearance. This appearance closely resembled that ofan auto mechanic with motor oil all over their gloves. Since many salonsare well decorated, this unsightly appearance is not desired.

[0011] In the late 90's, further improvements were made to this categoryof reusable gloves, as brown gloves were not totally effective at hidingall the stains used in the haircoloring process. Reusable black latexgloves became popular because they sold at a slightly better price point(average salon cost of $1.00/glove) and were more efficient at hidingall haircoloring stains. Unlike the foodservice industry and the medicaland dental fields discussed above, the specific color of this glove inthe Beauty Industry played an important role with its specificapplication; to hide the haircoloring stains.

[0012] Although the two types of reusable gloves mentioned above didoffer the benefit of hiding haircoloring stains, there were manydisadvantages associated with their use including issues related tolatex, sanitation, maintenance, fit/feel, and finally cost. Each ofthese issues is discussed below.

[0013] In recent years, the use of latex products has been subject tomuch criticism in all industries including the highly profiled MedicalIndustry. More and more people every year suffer from latex allergies asa result of either wearing or coming in contact with latex products.Some latex allergies are so severe that it can be life threatening. Theuse of latex products promotes risk for both the operator (colorist) andtheir client. For this reason, there has been a major shift away fromlatex gloves in all industries including the Beauty Industry. Otherlatex free alternatives were found in vinyl and synthetic disposablegloves.

[0014] Despite the intimate interaction with clients (touching ones hairand scalp), reusable gloves are widely used in the professional BeautyIndustry. Such practices would not be accepted nor tolerated in theMedical Industry as this could promote the risk of spreading germs,infections, or even disease. The same risks apply to the BeautyIndustry, but no local or federal agency has yet to get involved.Reusing a glove that comes in contact with more than one individual ishighly unsanitary. Disposable gloves offer sanitary conditions as theyare discarded after each use.

[0015] Maintenance of these latex reusable gloves is another bigproblem, as the only way to preserve the longevity of the gloves is toconstantly wash and dry the gloves. The tedious process of constantlywashing these gloves ensures that they are as clean as possible (insideand out), and prevents mold and odor from forming. Properly drying theglove prevents the walls of the latex gloves from sticking together.Sticking is a problem as it can lead to the glove ripping or tearing inthese specific areas when being donned after the initial application.This on-going daily maintenance consumes valuable time throughout asalon professional's day. Disposable gloves are maintenance free as theyare discarded after each use.

[0016] Since reusable latex gloves are made to a thicker specificationto last time and time again, this thicker glove can interfere with thefeel of the hair. A precise feel is very important so a professionalhaircolorist can quickly and efficiently touch and determine the presentcondition of the hair. Further, the surface of certain types of latexgloves, based on their physical properties, stick to and pull a client'shair. This pull is not desired and is uncomfortable to the client. Dueto the physical properties of non-latex gloves, vinyl or syntheticproducts do not stick, nor pull the hair.

[0017] Finally, cost is major issue for reusable latex gloves. Sincereusable latex gloves are made to a thicker specification to last timeand time again, their costs are significantly higher than that of adisposable glove. In some cases the cost could be as high as 2000% morethan its disposable counterpart.

[0018] Inherent problems with all reusable latex haircoloring gloves arecompared to the advantages of disposable haircoloring gloves and aresummarized in the following chart: Advantages of DisposableDisadvantages of Reusable Haircoloring Gloves Haircoloring Gloves Veryeconomical Very Expensive Available in latex All thus far are latexbased which can cause alternatives including serious skin irritationsfor operators/clients vinyl and synthetic compounds Provides ultra Extrathick latex can interfere with feel and stick sensitive fit/feel to hairthat will not stick to hair Single use. Promotes health risks due tounsanitary Always completely conditions sanitary Maintenance free.On-going daily maintenance. Must be washed Saves time. continuously toensure best performance and prevent odors. Must be dried properly toprevent cracking/tearing during repeated uses

[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,445 relates to a disposable cosmetic glovewhich includes an outer glove shell of lotion impervious material and aninner glove lining of lotion absorbent material. The inner glove liningis preferably uniformly impregnated with a cosmetic lotion; however, theglove may be provided with a lining which is not impregnated therebypermitting a lotion of personal choice to be injected into the liningprior to use. In a preferred embodiment, the disposable glove comprisesan outer shell of thermoplastic resin material to which a thin layer ofpolyether or polyester urethane foam is bonded.

[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,867,832 relates to a disposable vinyl glovehaving a fastening belt which includes a hollow formed seamless bodymember, an open proximal end, and a cuff portion at the proximal end.The cuff portion has a fastening belt fixed on the outside surface ofthe cuff portion. The end of the fastening belt has an adhesive area, anadhesive layer is covering the adhesive area and a removable releasesheet is covering the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer can stick withthe surface of the cuff or tying belt together. After the glove is worn,the cuff of the glove is tightened on the wearer's wrist by thefastening belt and the adhesive means sticks the fastened tying belt andthe outer surface of the cuff together, thereby the disposable vinylglove is tightly secured on the wearer's hand.

[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,394 relates to a disposable elastomeric glovehaving a distinct protuberance in proximal position with respect to athenar eminence of a wearer thereby allowing for a quick and safe gloveremoval procedure. The protuberance is grasped to safely remove theglove from the hand.

[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,570 relates to a powderfree medical filmglove comprising an elastomer base layer, preferably vinyl, having asprayed, intermittent coating formed on the hand-contacting surface ofthe glove.

[0023] U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,856 relates to a anti-static glove that isformed from a porous cloth-type material having the palm inner thumb,and inner finger surfaces covered by a cutout of thin anti-staticpolyvinyl chloride film. The cutout is attached by stitching or by anadhesive.

[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,386 relates to a flexible polyvinyl chloridearticle and method of making the same. A two layer flexible articleincludes a first layer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and a second layer ofpolyester polyurethane which incorporates a texturizing agent. Thearticle is preferably a glove formed by the method of dipping a handshaped form into a first bath containing a PVC plastisol and a secondbath containing a polyester polyurethane emulsion incorporating atexturizing agent and a slip agent. In a finished glove the PVC layerforms the outside or patient contacting surface and the polyesterpolyurethane with the texturizing agent and the slip agent incorporatedtherein forms the inner user contacting surface. Theses gloves aresubstantially donnable without the need for donning powders.

[0025] U.S. Pat. No. 5,751,843 relates to a method of detecting thespatial position and rotational position of suitably marked objects indigital image sequences. The images of the sequence are put into binaryform by applying a threshold value operation. In a gray-level imagehaving a varying background, it is a very difficult problem to recognizea human hand in real time at this level of generality. This problem issubstantially simplified when the hand stands out distinctly from thebackground and markings are provided on the hand whose shape and sizeare known. For this reason, it is advantageous in conjunction with themethod according to the invention to use, for example, a black glove onwhich white markings are provided and which the user of the methodaccording to the invention pulls over his hand. The image of the humanhand is taken in this method with the aid of a gray-level camera,subjected to an adaptive threshold value operation and converted into asegmented binary image. Subsequently, features are calculated relativeto all the image objects and with the aid of these features the markingsare recognized and their position in space is calculated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The present invention relates to a professional Beauty Industryglove with the following characteristics: a dark colored glove thathides haircoloring stains which is disposable and offers a completelysanitary environment. A dark colored glove is defined as a glove thatmasks (or hides) most stains that develop on the glove's surface.Masking or hiding stains is important, as even the most seasonedhaircolorist has no way to prevent haircolor from coming in contact withtheir gloves while applying color to a client's hair.

[0027] It is an object of the present invention for the glove to alwayslook professional. It is an object of the present invention for theglove to be a non-latex glove that would not have any adverse effects onthe skin. It is an object of the invention for the glove to be anon-powdered glove that would not have any adverse affects on the skin.It is an object of the present invention for the glove to not interferewith the feel of the hair nor pull the hair. It is an object of thepresent invention for the glove to be maintenance free. It is an objectof the present invention for the glove to be economical.

[0028] The present invention provides all the characteristics needed ina professional haircoloring glove and represents a significantimprovement over any other glove on the market. The present invention isa dark, non-latex, non-powdered, economical, disposable haircoloringglove, specifically designed for use in the professional Beauty Industryand offering a multitude of additional benefits including: alwayslooking clean and professional, always completely sanitary, offering aterrific feel, requires no maintenance, does not interfere with the feelof the hair nor stick to hair.

[0029] Its average salon cost is about $0.09/glove and thus in line withother traditional disposable gloves yet significantly less expensivethen its dark reusable counterpart. The dark color was specificallychosen as it provides a specific function in the haircoloring process:to hide stains and to look professional.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Disposable gloves for the professional Beauty Industry are a safeand cost effective way to protect a worker's hands from prolongedexposure to harsh chemicals found in shampoos and conditioners, and morespecifically, chemical relaxers and haircoloring products.

[0031] In an embodiment, the gloves are a dark, disposable latex glovewhich is a cost effective means to provide hand protection. Latex hasterrific stretch capabilities and provides a more precise and better fitthan polyethylene gloves. Traditional disposable latex gloves aretypically 5 mils in thickness and thus stronger than that of adisposable polyethylene glove. In an embodiment the gloves are availablein either a powdered or unpowdered version.

[0032] In an embodiment, dark disposable vinyl gloves (also known as PVCgloves and sometimes as synthetic vinyl gloves) are used. They are acost effective way to provide hand protection. Due to its slightlylooser fit than a disposable latex glove, vinyl gloves allow the hand tobreathe more easily, preventing the hand from fatiguing over time. Theslightly looser fit of a vinyl disposable glove also allows the glove tobe put on/off easier than a latex disposable glove. In an embodiment thegloves are available in either a powdered or unpowdered version. Vinyldisposable gloves are an excellent alternative to those whose skin issensitive to latex products.

[0033] In an embodiment, dark, disposable synthetic gloves are used.Synthetic glovers are non-latex, non-vinyl gloves. Such an example of adisposable synthetic glove would be that of a disposable nitrile glovewhich is comprised from a blend of synthetic (man-made) polymers. Thesesynthetic polymers offer different physical properties to the glovesonce produced; e.g. softer feel, increased stretch capacity of thematerial, etc. . . . Disposable nitrile gloves are traditionally 5 milsthick but the nitrile properties make for a more durable glove than itslatex or vinyl counterpart. In an embodiment, the disposable nitrilegloves are puncture resistant. Disposable nitrile gloves are anexcellent alternative to those whose skin is sensitive to latexproducts. In an embodiment the gloves are available in either a powderedor unpowdered version.

[0034] In an embodiment, dark, disposable polyethylene or copolymergloves are used. These types of gloves are the least expensivedisposable gloves on the market, thus keeping manufacturing costs as lowas possible. In an embodiment, the gloves are available in either apowdered or unpowdered version.

[0035] A precise feel is very important so a professional haircoloristcan quickly and efficiently touch and determine the present condition ofthe hair. Further, the surface of certain types of gloves, based ontheir physical properties, stick to and pull a client's hair. This pullis not desired and is uncomfortable to the client. Due to the physicalproperties of non-latex gloves, vinyl or synthetic products do notstick, nor pull the hair.

[0036] Advantages of disposable haircoloring gloves include:ultrasensitive, fit/feel that will not sick to hair; economical; singleuse, always completely sanitary; maintenance fee, saves time and;available in latex alternatives, including vinyl and syntheticcompounds.

1. A professional Beauty Industry glove comprising: a dark colored glovewhich hides haircoloring stains; said glove being disposable.
 2. Theglove of claim 1 wherein said glove does not interfere with the feel ofhair nor pull said hair.
 3. The glove of claim 1 wherein said glove ismaintenance free.
 4. The glove of claim 1 wherein said glove is black.5. The glove of claim 1 wherein said glove is a non-latex that does nothave any adverse affects on skin.
 6. The glove of claim 1 wherein saidglove is a non-powdered glove.
 7. The glove of claim 1 wherein saidglove is a powdered glove.